Commanders rookie RB Brian Robinson was shot as the victim of an attempted robbery per @JPFinlayNBCS. His injuries are currently non-life threatening. “Crazy news on former Tuscalooosa native and former Alabama running-back Brian Robinson. He’s competing for major playing time with the Washington Commanders this season. Prayers out to B-Rob!”
Antonio Gibson has been a good fantasy for two years in a row. He won’t be as good as the third.
The Commanders’ first offense against the Chiefs in the Week 2 preseason included rookie third-round pick Brian Robinson. He was her type until Game 5 Gibson replaced him after back-to-back carries. The Wizards’ second and third drives were mostly the same: Robinson started and Gibson replaced him after some work.
If it’s done to make Gibson play better, it’s not going to work. If it was done because the Commander coach wanted to see if Robinson was a better run than Gibson, then it worked. Robinson, who played 11 of 19 with Carson Wentz, did a good job of following his blockers, not dancing in the backcourt or running parallel to the line of scrimmage. Thanks to his vision, Robinson can profit even when his blocks don’t get where he is. He’s also very athletic—carries defenders and pushes forward for extra yards, and continues his short-yard transition (he’s 4-for-4 from 3 yards or less). Gibson, meanwhile, has struggled with distance contact for years and has ball safety issues after six fumbles last week and last season. Robinson hasn’t conceded a ball in Alabama (545).
After Game 2 of the preseason, coach Ron Rivera spoke about Gibson’s skills as a catcher and a catcher, alluding to his history as a catcher, saying, “We have to Catch the ball in space.” Rivera didn’t ask Robinson because there’s nothing to say — he’s their most reliable option for defeat right now. If anyone had 15 touches on this offense, it was Robinson.
Things got worse for Gibson. Robinson was a run down guy, and now I think J.D. McKissic (who didn’t play with the Chiefs due to a groin injury) is the primary passer. Gibson can be a backup for both of them, sometimes spelling them out every week. In this case, Gibson hardly deserves the draft.
I know it feels weird to leave Gibson, but at this point I would be shocked if he took the commanders back to 2022. Robinson is better, that’s why I’ll take him first in round 8. Honestly, the only reason Gibson is a 9th-round pick is because I think he has a chance to trade and regain some value. With Washington standing right now, the ninth round may be too early for Gibson. McKissic is a low-ceiling PPR running back bench that you can pick up in the 11th round of the PPR.
